Cobra 29LTD Classic (Stock) Help

Ok Drivers, CBer's & Techies, need some help here with my new stock 29LTD.

First, I have NOT used an external SWR meter yet, I've got one at home but OTR and not going back for a couple of weeks.

My first purchase in many years, I've been running a Cobra 18xst II for some time now until died on me.
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OK, problem or confusion...

Channel 20- CALIBRATED with CAL function on point.

Channel 1 & 40- CALIBRATED just left & right of CAL marker on internal meter.

Changed selector from CAL to SWR...

Channel 20, 1 & 40 was SWR 2-3 at top row meter bars. Trimmed Wilson 2000 whip until below 1 and no swing between 1 & 40... thinking I've got the perfect SWR... remember Internal Meter and I'm aware not as accurate, so believing that if I'm lower, I should be "Safe" on an external. But I may be tooo low if possible... barely moves, maybe 0.1 - 0.3... this can't be correct.

ADJUSTED RF GAIN to static + a nudge higher until meter moves to about SIG 1 on channel 20. ADJUST SQUELCH tinnnny bit to cover static, then turned noise limiter on to be nice and quiet unless drivers key mic.

Run through channels 1 through 40, pickup traffic on many channels, very clear.

Now I go to 20 DEADKEY, I'm 9 edge of RED on SIG bar. Talk into mic, no change, stays at 9....?

I should get swing, right....? I can get out, but only maybe less than a mile, in town or hwy. I can receive from 1-3 miles clearly and around 2-5 SIG or higher the closer they are.

What am I doing wrong other than using internal meter?

 

Appreciate the advice. I'm definitely hooking up when I get home. Definitely going to see about a new mic as suggested. I did pop the lid today after a lot of "research" I tuned my vr4 full counter clockwise and L14 counter clockwise until about 1/8" up from original position slightly below flush. I did notice everything got a little better and the drivers that replied said I sounded very crisp and clear, made changes on the fly while between keying the mic to talk to them and they noticed the differences too while both stationary. But I know I'm still not getting out very far or just flat out no one has their box on unless in the truck stop. I try not to do radio checks and such in crowded places since you don't know how far your getting out. I also duct taped about 12 pennies stacked and placed under both front corners on dash mount as to lift the speaker up towards me which REALLY did some good, now I don't need an external speaker and actually had to turn volume down halfway... mic and meter and I should be solid.

Thanks

 

14 years Army Aviation Electrician, multi layer circuit card repair, conformal coatings, signal generators, o-scopes... I'm pretty sure I can read a schematic and the fact I do know a little bit about what each component does or how it works in different setups... I think making a small adjustment after a lot of research is probably somewhat safe... it's not like I was changing out the transformer and creating my own board with flashing lights or anything.... yet...

But I appreciate your concern, I don't want to nor do I plan on burning anything out...